The North Florida Land Conservation Steward (Steward) is a Florida Chapter staff member within the Stewardship & Field Programs Department’s North Florida Conservation Program (NFL). The position works under the supervision of the NFL Land Conservation Coordinator and is based at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) in Bristol, FL. The Steward performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance, restoration and management.
The NFL Land Conservation Steward maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. The Steward removes non-native invasive species and conducts species monitoring. The Steward assists in prescribed burns and maintains related fleet, tools and equipment. The Steward maintains preserve records using a PC and mobile devices.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
This full-time position has currently identified financial support until June 30, 2020 and no guarantees can be made that the position will extend beyond that date. However, The Nature Conservancy is an employer at will and the employment relationship may end at any time. Co-ed housing and basic utilities, except for telephone, will be provided in a Conservancy residence at ABRP as taxable income to the employee.
The position supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, or volunteers.
- Participate in ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort. Associated tasks include groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, as well as cutting/girdling and chemically treating overabundant hardwoods.
- Will participate as a fire team crew member on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies. May participate on wildfires if requested. Perform various prescribed fire and wildfire duties, if qualified, including ignition, holding, mop-up, engine operation, engine bossing, crew bossing, gather fire weather data.
- Operate fire equipment, if qualified, including ignition devices, 4 WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chain saws, hand tools, and GPS units.
- Perform fire preparations, including tractor mowing, tree cutting, chain saw work, raking, boundary delineation, etc. Must have familiarity with the safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work.
- Must meet minimum TNC - NWCG training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level. For Florida: 3 mile walk with a 45 pound pack vest with a time of 45 minutes or less. Must meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather. Current Red Card and First aid training a plus.
- Will participate in various preserve maintenance activities (e.g. facility upkeep, fence construction/repair, trail maintenance, and invasive/exotic species control using herbicides).
- Ability to safely implement integrated pest management methods for control of non-native invasive species and other nuisance plants, including both chemical (herbicide) and manual treatments.
- Will use Conservancy-owned vehicles and must be able to safely operate All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and comply with FL Chapter All-Terrain Vehicle Operating Guidelines at all times. Must hold a valid state driver’s license and have a safe driving record.
- Maintain equipment and fire cache in fire-ready status; ensure fleet clean and well organized at all times; ensure work areas are kept in order and well supplied.
- Maintain personal appearance in professional, presentable fashion, suitable to represent The Nature Conservancy to agencies and the public.
- Good interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain positive morale under adverse working conditions. Ability to get along in a group setting.
- Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, frequently in the absence of supervision.
- PC familiarity and willingness to learn various databases for record maintenance.
- Willingness to at times work long hours and live and work in close contact with coworkers of varying backgrounds and dispositions.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Qualified or able to meet qualifications of a fire Fighter Type 2.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.